Apple MacBook refresh review: first look

published 21 October 2009

Apple has also taken the same tack with the Mac Mini. There were predictions that Apple might kill the headless Mac, but in fact it's developed it. Fascinatingly, Apple has removed the optical drive from one version to create space internally for two 500GB drive and shipped it with Snow Leopard Server, and is aiming it at small businesses who want a cheap, Mac-based, server. At 799, is could be a master stroke.

Another potential master stroke, if you'll excuse the terrible pun, is the new Magic Mouse. This is Apple's way of bringing its touch-tastic jiggery pokery to its desktop computers. The whole thing is now a touch sensitive surface, and you can click, scroll and swipe your fingers over it to create the desired effect on screen. It's perfectly intuitive as you would expect and looks great too.

The iMac will also now ship with a cordless Bluetooth keyboard, and both take two AA batteries. Apple said that you'll get four months use out of the mouse, put it surely would have been a great time to have introduced some cool new charge pad technology? Having to replace standard batteries seems rather mundane compared to the slickness of the technology around it.

Verdict

Aside from the price increase on the MacBook, there's plenty to like about the Apple's latest hardware refresh.

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Benny Har-Even is a twenty-year stalwart of technology journalism who is passionate about all areas of the industry, but telecoms and mobile and home entertainment are among his chief interests. He has written for many of the leading tech publications in the UK, such as PC Pro and Wired, and previously held the position of technology editor at ITPro before regularly contributing as a freelancer.

Known affectionately as a ‘geek’ to his friends, his passion has seen him land opportunities to speak about technology on BBC television broadcasts, as well as a number of speaking engagements at industry events.